Washboard Roads

Rather than another "which suspension is best" thread, maybe you can tell me what setup has worked for you.

In my area there are a lot of washboard gravel roads, many of them will shake the hell out of the truck, steering wheel, etc to the point where I slow down to around 10mph. This is the one and only problem I'm trying to address while still maintain decent on-road manners. I want my wife to be able to drive the truck, slam on the brakes or swerve around something if she has to without being any less stable than it currently is. Not looking to win any races or anything, but hoping to move at lets say 50 mph.

I suppose while we're at it, sometimes I don't realize there's a dip until it's too late and it would be good to handle these better as well.

In terms of budget, I'm looking to keep things under 2k.

2nd gen DCSB 4x4
Ko2 265/70r17 (I've tried as low as 15 psi)
Stock height with front leveled to rear. (doubt I'll raise it, 1-2" at the most)
Currently 5100's all around
Load varies from 500-1200 lbs including passengers, rtt, fuel, water
Likely to have airbags in the back at some point to level out the truck under load
Doesn't have steel bumpers nor is it likely to ever have them.

 

not much you can do with washboard roads except try to avoid the washboard. No tires or suspension other than BAJA racer would really do anything at 50mph...btw our roads get bad like that also.

 

I air down to about 18-20 if I'll be on roads like that very long. Makes a huge difference in the ride, but stays stable enough for pretty good speeds.

 

I'll agree to agree with this one.

Also, remote resi's aren't just for the desert. The roads you're talking about will generate a metric ass-ton of heat in your shocks.

 

This.

I'd recommend 2.5 shocks with reservoirs to handle all that heat if you're running on it for a long time. 2.0's in the rear are ok for short stints.
You're also a good candidate for adjustable shocks because of the changing weight.
Finally, don't run air bags that are fixed to the axle or they'll ruin ride quality.

 

Find an old pallet, chain pallet to truck, drag pallet down road, boom. No more washboard. Repeat as necessary.

 

2.0's are indeed fantastic for long runs... but i run pretty light so that's likely a factor here. the Fox's have been mighty impressive on the washboard stuff, and I've been able to run on E's at full pressure they're so complaint.

 

Yeah! The small shaft and aluminum body are great! Ability to run for a long time is extremely dependent on setup and terrain. Short breaks in washboard allow for large temp drops in the shocks.

 

I've tried as low as 15 psi. Definitely helped, but looking for better still.

 

Speaking to Bilstein, 5100's are sealed and not serviceable.

 

The same thing crossed my mind, that is a lot of heat on the oil

 

I actually spoke to Fox tech support. The 2.0's are apparently softer than the 2.5's, however I've heard from multiple sources that Fox will do 1 revalve for free if you're not happy. The problem with the Fox 2.5's are not priced squarely against the Kings, who will also do a free rebuild, and on top of that have an (optional) adjustment knob for easy/quick street/trail adjustment.

 

good info. i was considering going to 2.5's when i come to rebuild time. that's a ways away but good to know.

 

Oh! Have the Fox 2.0's worked out well for you? (it would be great to spend $900 vs $1500). Specifically, are you able to go significantly faster on those washboard sections without feeling like you're destroying your front end?

 

Judging by your signature, you might be a good person to ask How do you feel about King 2.5's (apparently the "OEM fit" options are with external resi only, so about $1500) vs Fox 2.0's. If we're talking a 10-15% improvement or marginal improvement, I'd probably take the cheaper route. I don't mind paying somewhat more for the King's, but it has to be a significant difference for what will end up belong towards double the.

 

Yeah, I've tried as low as 15psi and it's still pretty bad with the 5100's. Feels like I'm tearing up the front end.

 

yes, absolutely.

but keep in mind i ride light... it's a mission. no added weight on the front rear or sides, not even any steps. i keep it that way because I'm a handling junky. with my setup, however, i can have confidence recommending the 2.0's. then again, for future flexibility i just may lean toward the 2.5's. if it was me that's how I'd think about it.

I'm adding no weight on the front so I'd be happy either way. i just think the 2.0's are at their weight limit, or close to it, on the stock truck.

 

5100's have a very digressive piston and are not well suited for off-road use.
Fox and King use linear pistons and they work better, but still leave a lot to be desired on the performance/comfort aspect.

The shock size comes down to how long you spend on the washboard and whether it's consistent or not. Five minutes of hard, non-stop running on washboard will usually get a 2.0 really hot.

If you're spending the money you want to get remote reservoirs regardless, they will be a lot more durable in high temp situations.


Every shock we sell is custom tuned by hand for your setup, your terrain, and your preferences.
King has the best brand name, Fox has the best quality, we make sure they both come with excellent service.

Rear remote reservoir shock prices (non-adjustable):
Fox 2.0 R/R - $480/pair
King 2.5 R/R - $835/pair
King 2.5 R/R - $950/pair


Here's a video we just released today:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwIfbRhABXg